New England and Slavery

Here in the Great White North we’re slowly coming to terms with the fact that slavery in America was a pervasive phenomenon. In the wake of industrialization — largely built on the labor of unmarried women from the countryside and waves of European immigrants — we have crafted a long-enduring myth that slavery was a uniqely Southern phenomenon and that Northern wealth was formed entirely on free, self-enterprising labor. While it is true that slavery persisted longer in the South than in the North, it started here contemporaneously — this historians have known for some time.

What is new are many recent scholarly reports and newspaper articles which help us understand slavery’s role in the formation of the North’s industrial economy. Northern banks funded the purchase of Africans and African-Americans and insured slave ships. Textile factories — the driving force of the industrial economy — processed cotton grown by slaves. Shipbuilders, sailors, and captains grew wealthy on the “triangle trade” that took finished goods and rum out of New England and brought slaves to the South. Slaves in Africa died by the millions to bring ivory to American markets. (One estimate concludes that five Africans died for every pound of African ivory.) Northern towns thrived because (for a time) slave labor ran households and performed manual labor. The patrons of some of America’s most revered institutions of higher learning and culture were deeply involved (though at a distance) in the despair and death of thousands.

So as we collectively celebrate African-American history month this February, let’s consider race and slavery on a local rather than sectional level. If you’re in New England, you might find the following lectures and reports enlightening:

Pigeonholed…

Medical disclaimer…

I am not a doctor and do not have any medical training. Your diabetes may vary. You should always check with your health care team before making any changes to your diabetes self-management or exercise regimen.